Series Review: Netflix’s FOREVER Shows the Highs and Lows of Teenage Love

Judy Blume’s groundbreaking 1975 novel Forever gets a timely and poignant reimagining in this new Netflix adaptation from acclaimed writer and producer Mara Brock Akil (Girlfriends, Being Mary Jane). Set in 2018 Los Angeles, Forever follows the love story of two Black teens, Keisha and Justin, as they navigate the rocky, tender terrain of first love, identity, and the pressures of growing up. It’s heartfelt, complicated, and raw in a way that many teen love stories shy away from—and that’s what makes it so powerful. Read on for a spoiler-free review of Netflix’s FOREVER.

Let me explain: even though the story centers on high schoolers, this Netflix series is definitely not your typical teen drama. Yes, in FOREVER there are promposals, friend group drama, and long high school hallway stares. But there are also scenes of real vulnerability, trauma, and intimacy. The show includes nudity and sexual situations that are handled with maturity and sensitivity, yet it’s clearly intended for a more mature audience. Think Euphoria with less stylized drama and more emotional realism.

Keisha and Justin’s relationship unfolds during their final year of high school, and it’s anything but simple. Justin (played by Michael Cooper Jr.), a gifted basketball player with ADHD, is buckling under the weight of expectations. His mom wants him to follow in her footsteps and apply to her prestigious alma mater, but his anxiety and indecision are palpable. You can feel the pressure mounting with every scene—academic stress, future uncertainty, and the fear of letting people down. Meanwhile, Keisha (played by the luminous Lovie Simone) is coping with her own baggage. She’s still reeling from an intimate video leak involving her ex, Christian, a popular kid her mother now oddly encourages her to date, despite his past betrayal.

Did you know? FOREVER is a banned book in Utah and Texas.

Here’s the thing: FOREVER doesn’t paint its adult characters as villains or background noise. The parenting dynamics are actually some of the most nuanced aspects of the series. Justin’s parents are wealthy and seemingly have it all, but as the show illustrates, money doesn’t shield them—or him—from the realities of being Black in America. Their protective instincts, especially around interactions with law enforcement, are portrayed not as paranoia, but as caution rooted in lived experience. Keisha’s mom, meanwhile, wants success for her daughter, but she’s also focused on social status, overlooking how damaging Christian’s actions were. It’s frustrating—but it’s real.

And we have to talk about the cinematography. Netflix’s FOREVER is absolutely stunning. The lighting, the framing, the way it captures the essence of L.A., it’s all so thoughtfully done. From sun-drenched afternoons in South Central to the luxe calm of Martha’s Vineyard, every location is a vibe. The contrast between the gritty, authentic neighborhoods and serene getaway spots visually reflects the emotional journeys these characters are on. It’s not just a backdrop; Los Angeles feels like its own character, and we get to see it through the eyes of Black teens in love, struggling and growing.

The performances across the board are strong, but it’s the chemistry between the leads that keeps you hooked. Their banter feels real, their silences loaded. You root for them, even when you know they’re making messy choices because who didn’t at 17?

In short, FOREVER is a refreshing addition to the coming-of-age catalog of Netflix. Like the original novel, it’s romantic without being cheesy, dramatic without being overwrought, and mature without losing its heart. It honors Judy Blume’s legacy while creating something entirely new. Just don’t let the “teen drama” label fool you, this is a story for anyone who remembers the intensity of first love or is still figuring it all out.